Shannon Salter
Today’s episode features Julie’s conversation with Shannon Salter, Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal in British Columbia, which is Canada’s first online tribunal (and one of the first in the world). Shannon talks about how building a tribunal system based on the needs of its users is the first step in “human centred design”, and how greater use of technology may be one – but only one – of the outcomes of using “human design” in the justice system. Is this the future after COVID-19?
Related Links
BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal
“BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal keeps ‘doors open’ during pandemic” (Canadian Lawyer)
Shannon Salter NSRLP A2J All-Star
In Other News
In other news: NSRLP continues to update and publish helpful resources in the context of COVID-19; in Slaw Julie discussed what this pandemic can teach us about improving access to justice more generally; the Ontario government has announced $1.3 million in funding for justice sector technology and a further $2.7 million to support victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes while COVID-19 persists; and former Chief Justice McLachlin recently reflected on justice in the time of social distancing, sharing some insights on this wake-up call.
NSRLP’s COVID-19 Resources Page
Former Chief Justice McLachlin on justice in the time of social distancing (Lawyer’s Daily)
Jumping Off the Ivory Tower is produced and hosted by Julie Macfarlane and Dayna Cornwall; production and editing by Sikandar Saleem; Other News produced and hosted by Ali Tejani; promotion by Moya McAlister and Ali Tejani.
could you perhaps tell me when this organization might have some information on the issue of vexatious litigant and summary judgementing of the self represented?? I was told that in January there was a case that would address the courts use of these tools to rid themselves of us, I have heard nothing on this to date, As well, I have been wondering when if ever,, someone will be available to assist us with rectifying our cases?? Some of us have been awaiting this assistance for years now, Nothing yet, Any word??
Hi Sandra, you can read our Case Law Database research report on vexatiousness here, published this past December (we are continuing to track the issue of vexatiousness in our ongoing CLD work); you can find our Summary Judgment Research Report here. I think the case you are referring to is the Lymer case, which has to do with vexatiousness – we were able to act as intervenor in that matter, thanks to pro bono representation, several months ago; we are still awaiting a decision in that case, but anticipate it may come in early May. As for assisting in cases, we are unfortunately unable to do that – we are not a legal clinic, and do not have the capacity to advise on individual cases, nor are we insured to do so.
I am concerned about that grade 6 level language suggestion because too many judges and decision makers I have come across fail to read beyond that level and I am serious. They seem to think SRLs should get a different standard of justice that those with lawyers. I ran into a whole PANEL of judges who saw fit to discard my Employment Contract and replace it with one they conjure up out of their minds. It was not funny when they did not know basic Labour Law. I have the transcript and the grade 5 level decision